AMC Plans New Entertainment Zones at Six Kankaria Lakefront Sites on PPP Model

Ahmedabad: The Kankaria Lakefront could soon have more options for visitors to spend their leisure time, with the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) inviting private players to propose new entertainment and recreational attractions at six locations under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The six identified land parcels together cover around 9,675 sq m. According to the Expression of Interest (EOI) issued by the civic body, private entities can submit proposals for one or more locations. AMC has made it clear that the proposed attractions should be new and innovative and should not duplicate or compete with facilities that already exist at Kankaria.

Six locations identified

AMC has advised interested applicants to visit the respective sites and verify the actual available area and site conditions before submitting their proposals.

Attractions to be planned around their surroundings

The EOI includes several restrictions, particularly for locations close to the zoo, gardens and other existing attractions.

For areas near the zoo, activities involving loud music, DJs, concerts, laser shows, flashing lights and fireworks will not be permitted. AMC has also ruled out petting zoos and other activities involving captive animals, citing animal safety and welfare concerns.

At Activity Area 2, restrictions include vibration-generating equipment, paintball, shooting simulators, explosive games, smoke machines and large digital billboards. Permanent structures and food stalls will also not be permitted at this location.

At Activity Area 3, large rides similar to those at the existing amusement park, high-rise installations, extreme thrill rides and activities likely to cause excessive crowding have been prohibited.

The rules are different for the larger Activity Area 6, which covers about 7,000 sq m. Tree cutting will require prior approval, while motor sports, fuel-powered racing, fireworks and activities generating untreated wastewater will not be allowed. Large concerts will require prior approval and compliance with prescribed sound limits.

Food cannot be the main attraction

AMC has also specified that food courts, food stalls and gift shops cannot be the primary activity at these locations. They may, however, form a smaller supporting component of a proposed entertainment or recreational attraction.

The civic body has also placed restrictions on activities such as casinos, pubs, hookah lounges, nightclubs, dangerous sports, open-fire or gas-based attractions, and the sale of tobacco, vaping products and alcohol at the location near Kids City.

Interested private entities can submit their online EOI applications until September 28. The applications are scheduled to be opened on October 1 at 3 pm.

If the process moves ahead as planned, the initiative could add a new range of private-sector entertainment offerings to Kankaria while taking into account the existing attractions, zoo and surrounding recreational spaces. DeshGujarat